This country is in the middle of a drug epidemic. Never before have so many people been addicted to prescription and illicit drugs. This means that more people are driving while under the influence of drugs.

No matter what kind of drugs a driver is using, he’s going to be impaired. People can argue that marijuana is a safe drug, however, I wouldn’t want someone high on marijuana to drive my kids around.

The laws in Georgia do say it’s illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When it comes to alcohol, there are a few reliable ways to confirm that someone is drunk. The police can administer a breathalyzer test. They can also have the driver complete a field sobriety test.

If either of these tests come back bad, the driver can be arrested for DUI. When someone’s arrested and convicted of DUI, your Georgia car accident lawyer can use it to prove liability. Your attorney can submit proof of a DUI conviction to show the other driver was at fault.

For drivers under the influence of drugs, it’s a bit harder. There are no on-sight tests to confirm that someone’s using drugs. Your attorney will have to rely on other types of proof to make your case.

What are the Common Drugs We See in Car Accident Cases?

A great percentage of dangerous car crashes are caused by drug use. Drivers use drugs either before they get behind the wheel or while they’re driving. Some of them don’t realize how dangerous this can be. Others just don’t care. Their addiction is so strong, they can’t appreciate the risk they pose.

Some of the more common drugs we see drivers using today include:

Marijuana – When people smoke marijuana, they become disoriented and lose control of their motor skills. They can’t see all that well and are at risk of crashing into other cars.

Opiates – Whether the driver is injecting, snorting or swallowing opiates, they will be a danger to others. When people are under the influence of opiates, they can actually nod out. This is the last thing they need to be doing when they’re getting behind the wheel. Yet hundreds of people die every year in drug related car accidents.

Cocaine – Cocaine never seems to go out of style. When people are high on cocaine, they are reckless. They drive too fast and take risks they normally wouldn’t take. This leads to very serious car accidents.

Methamphetamine – When people are high on meth, they behave erratically. They can’t focus on the task at hand. They also tend to hallucinate. This can be a deadly combination.

If the person who hits you is under the influence of any of these drugs, you’ll suffer some pretty serious injuries. You need a Fayetteville car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Will Your Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Prove Your Case?

Your Georgia car accident lawyer will have to prove that a driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of your crash. This won’t be easy. If you’re lucky, the police will do some of the hard work for you.

Some of the evidence gathered by the police may help prove the driver was high. This evidence includes:

Chemical and blood tests done immediately after the accident

Proof that drugs were found in the driver’s possession at the time of the crash

Statements made by the driver and other witnesses

The driver’s criminal history and record of drug-related offenses

Witnesses’ description of the driver’s behavior

The police will investigate the scene. If they have a reason to think the driver was under the influence of drugs, they’ll search for evidence. They’ll search their car and personal possessions. If they find any drugs, they’ll test them at the scene to see what kind of drugs they are.

The police report will have information showing if the drugs are illegal or not. Even legal drugs can make a person intoxicated. If a driver takes too many of a certain kind of drug, they can become inebriated. The police can do chemical and blood tests to see if this is the case.

Proudly Serving Georgia

The materials contained in this website are for informational purposes and are not to be considered advertising or legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute or create, an attorney-client relationship between this firm and/or any lawyer in this firm with any reader or recipient of this information. Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with us and get authorization to do so. Any reference or link to a third party found on our internet site is not an express or implied endorsement by us to that third party or the information provided.Privacy Policy | Disclaimer